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ICD-10 Coding for Left Carotid Stenosis(I65.22)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Carotid Stenosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left Carotid Artery StenosisLeft ICA Stenosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Carotid Stenosis

I65-I66Primary Range

Occlusion and stenosis of precerebral and cerebral arteries

This range includes codes for stenosis and occlusion of carotid arteries, which are critical for documenting left carotid stenosis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left carotid stenosis

Essential facts and insights about Left Carotid Stenosis

The ICD-10 code for left carotid stenosis is I65.22, applicable for nontraumatic stenosis without cerebral infarction.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left carotid stenosis

Occlusion and stenosis of left carotid artery
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of >50% stenosis on imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'left carotid artery' in clinical notes

Applicable To

  • Nontraumatic stenosis of left carotid artery

Excludes

  • Cerebral infarction due to stenosis (use I63 codes)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging showing >50% stenosis of left carotid artery
  • Documented symptoms such as TIA or bruit

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation
  • Failure to specify stenosis severity

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and severity to avoid unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Atherosclerosis of other arteries

I70.92
Use when atherosclerosis is documented as the cause of stenosis.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Occlusion and stenosis of other cerebral arteries

I66.8
Use I66.8 if stenosis is in the cerebral portion of the artery.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Carotid Stenosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I65.22.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include imaging results in documentation., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always verify and code the specific side of stenosis.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for laterality.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Left Carotid Stenosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Carotid Stenosis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Carotid Stenosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Asymptomatic Left Carotid Stenosis

Specialty: Vascular Surgery

Required Elements

  • Patient demographics
  • Imaging results
  • Clinical symptoms
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient is a 70-year-old male with 80% stenosis of the left ICA on ultrasound. No symptoms reported. Plan for monitoring and lifestyle modification.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Carotid stenosis noted.
Good Documentation Example
80% stenosis of left internal carotid artery confirmed by ultrasound, asymptomatic.
Explanation
The good example specifies the degree of stenosis and laterality, providing clear documentation for coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Carotid Stenosis? Ask your questions below.

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